Hastings & St. Leonards Rowing Club

Southsea Regatta

Rough water causes problems for rowers of all ages!

Saturday July 10th had the 2004 Southsea Regatta in difficult conditions. Though rain held off there was a brisk South Westerly wind which gradually stiffened up.

Hastings only had IV's entered in what is always an interesting regatta as it pits the wonderful rowers from the Coast, (Kent and Sussex) against Hants and Dorset Clubs.

Trouble quickly started for the large squad of Bexhill Scullers when a confused Mr Graham Dawes attempted to lead their boats to the Isle of Wight in a doomed effort to bring back duty frees.

Our first race was in the Senior IV Coastal Heat where great things were expected of our boys Mr Paul Knight, Roger Roberts, Mark King , Ian Smith and cox Mark Edgar

Unfortunately though 2nd at the turn there was confusion over red and yellow dans and buoys with the result that we came out having lost 3 lengths. Eventually finishing 5th.

..but lo a sign did appear and they did follow.....

Yes the Senior IV have decided to take up golf. Good luck lads!

Overcoming their grief at the fate of the Senior's our never say die Junior IV crew took to the water next. They came 3rd which puts them through into the final. Well done chaps.

Click below for Junior IV pictures

However the Gods were not happy with the Organisers of the event and could not understand why so many non-races were held rather than lump all row-overs into one race. And so their patience gone they let back the wind and the seas became choppy.

The Organisers not wishing to lose valuable oarsmen and women decided to sacrifice the Veterans and bought forward their race to test the Gods.

Our old friend Mr Andy Wilson rowing at no 2 in the Shoreham boat battles through rough waters.

However Poole didn't quite make the finish line!

.and so the rest of the regatta was called off much to the relief of the Senior's!!!!!

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